But what if you can?

Sherry from season 9 of the Biggest Loser (pink team) and Frado from season 10 (black team) are at the resort with us this week.  I haven’t had much interaction with them as they are usually swarmed by people.  Today at lunch they did some inspirational speaking and a Q&A session.  It was really great.  There were times I actually found myself getting choked up while they spoke.  I know, not shocking but hey, it’s an emotional week as I prepare to pack my bags and head back to reality. 

It wasn’t what they went through on the show or on camera that called out to me.  It was what they learned about themselves.  It was the hard road of maintenance they have traveled.  It was how integral the support of those around is.  It was knowing that I wasn’t alone.  That the relationship I have with food and the self-doubt is not unique.  It is, sadly, quite common. 

It is so easy to think about reasons why you can’t or easy way outs and excuses.  Those are a dime a dozen.  But believing in yourself and pushing past your comfortable to make changes takes real courage.  Sherry had a slide today that read “But what if you can?” And I think that may be one of the best things I have ever heard.  This is something I plan to use day in and day out whenever I feel that defeat and doubt begin to rise up.  What if I can?  How amazing would that feel?  And what would that lead to? 

Thursday is treading class.  Last class of the day today and it is brutal.  Well, as brutal as you want to make it.  The liberating thing about the resort is that it’s all on you when you get to class to push yourself.  So for me, treading is a total beat down every Thursday.  But I had never pushed as hard as I did today.  Remember last week?  How proud I was of my 15 incline and 35 resistance?  Yeah, that seems like a practice round as I sit typing in this chair with my jello filled legs shaking beneath me.  I was on an arc trainer next to Frado and for our last sprint, he threw down the gauntlet.  He told me to try an incline of 15 and a resistance of 100.  That is maxing out the machine.  For a second I wanted to laugh and tell him I couldn’t, but then I thought…what if I can?  So Frado and I set our incline and resistance to 15 and 100 and did our last sprint together with all our might.  It was awesome.  Why?  Because I could do it and surprise myself even in week four here at the resort.  Katina said today that excellence does not creep up on you.  You have to go get it.  You have to give yourself permission to be excellent and today, I did just that. 

On top of the world

Well, I have officially wrapped up week three here at Biggest Loser Fitness Ridge.  One week to go.  I can’t believe how fast it has gone by and how much I have learned.  Each week I feel stronger than the one before, even when I think I have maxed out my capabilities.  That’s the magic of this place and the human body.  Just when you think you can’t, you realize that, indeed, you can.  It’s not the physical joy that I have found so overwhelming here; it’s the emotional battles that I have won.  The mental clarity and confidence I have found.  I have found myself again and realized I love Lyndee.  She kind of kicks ass.  I have continued to fulfill my promise of “be fearless” and it has made each day amazing. 

Friday we hiked in some pretty intense heat at Malibu Springs.  I was literally dripping sweat with every step but I kept pushing up Mama Jama and some other, um, super fun hills.  The fog prevented the view of the ocean but as you can see from the pictures below, it was a beautiful view anyway. I felt like I was on top of the world.  Sorry about the black and white, somehow I reset my camera settings and my brain was too hot to figure out how to turn it off.  How odd to come off of one of the trails and see a car parked in the middle of nowhere with an Iowa State University sign on it.  No joke.  Not sure what they were doing in the middle of Malibu Springs but it was kind of cool to see a little piece of home.  Suffered a slight bit of heat stroke and sickness which messed up my fun Friday afternoon but apparently I needed the rest.  Today I hiked Zuma Beach again.  Loved it, per usual. 

I spent the afternoon shopping with my friend Andrea.  We found a wonderful outfit for my big reveal party on the 29^th.  I can’t wait to show up in it and see everyone’s reaction! And it was super exciting to find out what size I am now.  Who would’ve thought that size would ever zip up on me?  Not this girl.  Can’t deny it brought a pretty proud smile to my face.  Thank goodness Andrea is way better at fashion and girly things than I am.  I can barely even spell accessories and she was all over finding me wonderful ones.  It was so wonderful to spend the afternoon with her.  I love when you can spend years living across the country from each other but once you’re together, it’s like you never missed a beat. 

Real quick

Remember how I talked about setting a new personal record on the elyptical in mountain class yesterday?  I did a 14 incline and 24 resistance.  Today in treading I did a 20 incline at a 35 resistance while maintaining 150+ strides per minute.  What pushed me over the edge? Katina played the "Proud" song from Biggest Loser.  It was cry or push through it, and push through it I did.  Proud moment.   Can't imagine what I will accomplish next week.  *beaming*

Whales and dolphins and seals…OH MY!

Today was a beach hike.  I love the beach, as you are all aware.  It’s not just because I love the ocean but as my hiking buddy Marilyn reminds us, it’s also free of ticks, snakes, mud trails, etc.  Today was just a perfect way to start a Thursday.  There were so many dolphins today!! This, by the way, is my favorite animal.  Bucket list item #1 remains…swim with dolphins someday.  I could’ve stood there for hours just watching them jump through the waves.  But alas, there was a hike to be had.  When we arrived on top of Point Dume we saw two whales below in the water.  Whales!!  Now there’s something you don’t see in Iowa.  I’ve never seen one in real life.  And now that I have, I will never say I feel like a whale again.  What an exaggeration.  You can’t imagine how big these things are until you see one in the water.  Who came up with that idiotic phrase?  There was also a large group (Gaggle? Herd? Flock? Slew?) of seals and sea lions.  I have to admit here, I don’t know the difference between a seal and a sea lion.  Hey, don’t mock me Californians, I bet you don’t know the difference between a Holstein and an Angus.  I also saw a jellyfish washed up on shore.  They really are see through.  It’s crazy.  Anyway, it was like Sea World came to Malibu and saved me $100 on a ticket today.  It was perfect.  Had a great calorie burn too.  What more could a girl ask for?  A super cute picture of her goddaughter with the Easter bunny?  Why yes and that’s exactly what I found in my email after the hike.  Love you, Emma Jean!

Came back to the resort and did Cameron’s gym class.  I love it.  It makes me happy running between weight machines, creating my own cardio intervals and not carrying at all how silly I look bouncing around the gym like I stole a box of Krispy Kreme’s and I’m on a sugar high.  During one of our last sets Cameron told us to remember what we were here for and think about our goals.  I did this as I knocked out the dreaded calf raises.  Then he reminded us to push ourselves and asked if we wanted to hit our goals or just get close.  This hit something very deep inside of me and I became a little choked up. It seems like most of my life I have been soooo close and just short of fulfilling so many goals and dreams.  Sure, I’ve made it very far in some ventures and kicked some butt but I feel there are very few goals that I have really owned and achieved.  When the going gets tough, I usually say, eh, close enough. And that’s total crap.  Yes, I set some pretty lofty goals for myself but that doesn’t mean I can give up when I’m almost there.  What is the point of that?  Why bother setting the goal at all?  Might as well just float down the “maybe I’ll capture my dream lazy river” and see what I bump into.  Well, that’s just not my style anymore.  Each day I realize that I have to paddle…hard…and sometimes upstream against the current but if I just keep paddling, I will get there.  And it will feel SO GOOD!!

I came back from class a little emotional after looking back on all the things I had given up on before I succeeded.  I checked my email quick and had a note from my Uncle John.  John has always been more of a big brother to me than an uncle.  He sent me a short and simple email, which is the Hagebakke way, but it just leveled me emotionally and I sat on my bed re-reading it and sobbing…in a good way though…because I felt like my journey was making him really proud of me and it warmed my heart so much.  John, thank you for the email you had no idea would hit me so hard. I love you with all my heart.

Ok, I need to get to open gym.  Then it’s treading (torture on a cardio machine), total body H2O and ball works.  You remember ball works?  The one I described as body pump on crack with a stability ball.  Yeah, wish me luck.  Saw a t-shirt today at lunch and I loved it so I thought I would share the saying.  “Your workout is my warm-up”.  I need to get one of those for the days I’m feeling like a badass. 

**Jake, I tried so hard to get you the picture of two surfer dudes today at the beach! I got three in the water but I couldn’t get them all up on their boards at the same time.  I promise to keep trying though.  Love you my little buddy. 

One wacky Wednesday

Okay, today was a bit…what’s the word I’m looking for here…off?  Felt like the stars were not aligned right.  Nothing BAD happened it was just one of those slightly off kilter kind of days.  Some members of Van 6 got a little psyched out this morning prior to our hike at Stunt Trail which meant the hike did not meet its full potential…at all.  I mean, parts of this trail were less like hiking and more like rock climbing so this should’ve been off the charts but instead I burned half the calories I usually do on hikes.  I had so much energy that I ran the last mile to the van on the way back with my hike guide, Joseph, then we doubled back to meet up with the rest of the group and walk with them to the van.  Yeah, generally by the end of a hike I just want to collapse into a sweaty pool of mush.  Today I wanted to go back up the 2^nd tallest peak in the Santa Monica Mountain range over and over just so I could get my burn on.  Very glad I was running though so that I didn't notice the snake on the trail that everyone else came across as they made their way down. That may have caused a major freakout on my part.  Regardless, it was a beautiful hike and had some great views.  Pictures below.  Unfortunately on the way back to the resort, one of our members had a bout with motion sickness.  Cool for us we had to pull the van over right in front of the house where they film “The Bachelor”. 

When we returned I knew I had some major calorie burn to make up for.  Now, I’m not sure if I told you how the classes and trainers schedule works out here.  Rarely do you have the same trainer for any two classes in one day.  This gives you a lot of variety and keeps you on your toes.  Well, today somehow I ended up with John for four hours straight.  Don’t get me wrong, I love John! It was just weird to be with the same trainer for circuit, lunch, the bonus step class and then for my 2:15 pool class.  Ah, pool class.  You got me today you little devil, you.  I wore a different bathing suit to class today.  My others were still slightly damp from four pool classes in 48 hours on Monday and Tuesday.  Today’s suit was a tankini thing that is two pieces.  One is the bottom and the top looks like a tank top.  I’m a big fan of one pieces but again, options were limited today.  So, neither piece was quit long enough to stay tucked into the other like I would’ve preferred while I swam around the pool.  Fine, people could see my iridescent white chubbies, aka muffin top, hanging out.  Big deal.  I am at fat camp, right? John had us partner up for chariot races with another person and two pool noodles.  We have to do 6 down and backs like this.  As I’m running back the final leg of the race with all my might, my bottoms fall down…like mid-thigh down.  So I’m trying to run through the pool, pull up my shorts, and hold onto two noodles all while pulling my partner through the water to win this race.  She starts screaming at me to keep running and I yell back at her that my pants have fallen off and she needs to stop screaming at me or else! It’s a really good thing I don’t embarrass too easily.  Pool was followed by kickboxing class where one of the instructors was messing around with me and accidentally smacked my glove into my face and I bit my lip.  Luckily nothing weird happened in Mountain that I can recall at this point in my delirium but I did break a personal record when we hit level 12 of the cardio mountain by having a resistance of 24, incline of 14 and maintaining 140+ strides per minute.  Did I mention I’ve gone from doing my treadmill sprints at a 5.5 to a 7.5?  That may not sound very fast to a normal runner but to me, it’s like having jet engines strapped to my little Flintstone legs.  Every day I push to prove to my body it can go just a little bit further.  It fits well with my personality to always be right so I’m glad that my body is finally listening.  

Even though my day was a bit wacky, I’m still smiling because it’s just another great day in the books.  They say all it takes is all you got…and that’s what I’m giving 24/7 out here at Fitness Ridge.  I can’t wait to see what tomorrow will bring.  Whatever it is, I’m ready. 

**The 2nd to last picture is the view from the top.  That light gray? Yeah, not smog, that's the ocean.  Nice view, aye?  :)

Just a dream

Last night I had nightmares and they revolved around food.  No, I didn’t dream I was eating my way out of a pepperoni pizza abyss or diving into a vat of chocolate ice cream.  My husband and I were at the grocery store trying to buy food so I could make some of the yummy recipes I’ve had here and continue my healthy eating.  We went to Hy-Vee and all the ground turkey was $100 a pound.  The fruit section was almost bare.  The strawberries looked like they were fossils.  There was no lettuce.  The zucchini smelled rotten. I found one mango and was trying to cut it open to eat and it slipped out of my hands and fell on the dirt floor.  Every aisle had macaroni and cheese in it. I was desperately trying to find the right chocolate chips to make the chocolate covered strawberries I love and they told me they were outside in the fresh market.  When I walked outside, the door slammed shut behind me and all I could see were eggs.  Odd?  Holy heck, yes. 

At first I wondered if I was getting sick of the healthy eating but that’s not it…well, except for the mixed green salad.  After three weeks, that is gagging me out because we have it almost every day.  I know that some of the food products will be a little more expensive but nothing crazy.  There may be a few things I will have to search to find in Iowa or order online but that doesn’t scare me too much.  I think I’m just afraid that I will fall off the wagon when I get home.  Four weeks without the temptation or chore of grocery shopping and having someone preparing and serving you all your meals is nice.  Going back to the real world and learning how to do it all over again, but better this time, is apparently freaking out my subconscious.

I’m going to try to prepare as best I can so there are no catastrophe’s when I get back.  I have a few lists from my classes here that will a good start.  Unfortunately, most of the things on the list are nowhere in my cupboards at home.  I don't need or want everything on the lists but will need to do some restocking and prep work to preventative a disaster.  I’m very excited to make some of these recipes for my family.  Like the salmon burger which may be the best thing that has graced my lips this month.  So yummy! Granted, it will not be paired with the mixed green salad.  Maybe Chef’s recipe for sweet potato fries or mashed potatoes.  Really, anything but that damn salad.

Sunday super fun day!

It’s Sunday.  An emotional morning saying goodbye to some dear friends.  Jenn Canada that has been in my group and my hiking partner in crime for the last two weeks left.  As did my dear friend Wendy.  It was hard to say goodbye to these amazing and strong ladies and other members of our breakfast posse.  I had a good weigh in and lost some more this week.  No, I’m not telling the numbers from here on out.  I want the grand total to be a surprise when I get back on the 29^th.  Go ahead and make your guesses on what you think it might be.  Hey, that could be a fun game.  If you want to guess how much I will lose in the 28 days I’m here, post it on our facebook page, Send Lyndee & Molly to Biggest Loser Season 10, or here on the blog. 

This morning another “Year of You” winner that lives in the area came to pick me up.  Rob, thank you so much for the tour of Biggest Loser ranch.  It was so much fun! I got to see where all the magic happens.  Pretty awesome feeling walking up the stairs to the Biggest Loser gym.  I posted some fun pictures below.  After my tour I met up with some of my friends from my days in LA for lunch.  It was so wonderful to see them and catch up.  I was a little nervous about going out to eat but I did well.  We went to BJ’s. For my Midwest readers, think something like Applebee’s or Raccoon River Brewery.  I ordered the Mahi Mahi & Hawaiian rice bowl off of the enlightened menu for around 500 calories, even though the 1400 calorie burger and fries looked really good in the picture.  I did splurge and have a diet coke with my meal.  There is no caffeine here at the resort so I felt like quite a rebel.  It tasted different than I remembered.  It was soooo sweet.  Totally crazy.  Thinking I will definitely be kicking the pop habit.  Too much sugar and bad sweeteners for my body to handle right now.  Did I mention how awesome it was to catch up with my friends?  *sigh* Love them to pieces.  I had to make sure we took some pictures since it was the first time I’ve worn something other than workout clothes or a swimsuit in two weeks.  It was fun to get “dressed up”.  Ha! 

I can’t believe my time here is half over.  It’s gone so fast but yet at the same time, it feels like I’ve been here forever.  I am really starting to miss home and my loved ones, even though I’m having a great time out here.  I’m looking forward to week three.  My body feels like it is healing up and getting more accustomed to the workouts every day.  I look forward to pushing it to the limit this week and seeing what personal bests I can set for myself.  I’m still enjoying obeying trainer Cameron’s “always finish what you start” and “never give up” mantra.  It is rewarding to know that I will take that with me forever.  There is no quit anymore, no matter how hard it gets.  It’s a wonderful feeling.  Hope everyone had a phenomenal weekend like I did.  Oh, and to all my wonderful family, friends and co-workers that have sent me cards, letters and emails of encouragement…you guys rock my world.  You will never know the joy and strength that comes with your kind words. 

Alignment & adjustments

Wondering why I’m up at 4 am on a Friday morning? Especially Friday the 13^th?  Well, I think it’s safe to say the fire is back! Hooray!  It’s amazing how a body adjustment can fix your attitude as well.  I’ve been dealing with some injuries that I didn’t want to share because I didn’t want to seem weak.  Lame, I know.  My ankles are shot and each day we hike, two of the toes on my left foot go numb which causes pain throughout the foot every time I step.  Yesterday our hike van returned to Zuma Beach. I love this place but the sand wasn’t good for my injuries.  I was becoming very disgruntled because I was not leading the pack with Jenn like usual.  While Jenn and Ruben (contestant on Season 2 of Biggest Loser) ran along the beautiful coast, I was stuck walking and wincing with every step.  Mentally, it was killing me.  Then, on the way back down Point Dume, I twisted my ankle on a rock and fell down.  Not only did it hurt like hell, but it was just another ding to my pride.  I hobbled back to the van as fast as I could and played it off like I was fine.  Famous last words of Lyndee, right friends?  Ha.  “I’m fine!”  Except, I wasn’t.  I went to my circuit class at 11:15 and hobbled through the majority of it but the pain from the ankle that was now shooting up my calf became too much to bare.  I fought back tears and turned away from the class, doing my dance party cardio moves and trying to continue breathing.  My partner, Meghann, saw me though and called Trainer Cameron over, who proceeded to scold me and make me leave class five minutes early to go ice. Once class was done he checked in on me to remind me that I have four weeks here and there is no reason to injure myself worse by trying to be tough.  He said “You have nothing to prove.  You’re already here and doing it.”  But he was wrong.  I feel like I have so much to prove each week.  He told me I shouldn’t use a treadmill for our cardio class today and to take it easy.  I didn’t want to do this monster class on a bike.  I knew I wouldn’t get near the calorie burn I normally do but I listened to him and did it.  The day was mentally trying because I want to push so hard and I hate feeling held back by injury.  The Hagebakke in me is too competitive to settle for being “towards” the front of the pack…I want to be in the lead.  Always.  And I’m learning that can’t always happen. 

I gave in last night and went to Dr. Ray and it was the best move I have made since I arrived here.  He instantly knew that there was something pinched in my L4 that was causing my toe numbness.  He worked out the pressure in my back that immediately loosened up my left hip down to my toes.  In 20 amazing minutes, I walked out of their feeling lighter and taller.  No joke.  My entire body felt renewed.  It was mind boggling and with my adjustment, my attitude instantly changed too.  My smile was back.  My confidence returned.  I could finally see that even Super Woman can use some help once in awhile when it comes to a broken body.  So I woke this morning hours before my alarm went off because after a tough week mentally, I am believing in Lyndee again and it’s game on.  Friday the 13^th doesn’t have anything on me.  This day will be what we make of it and I plan on making the most out of every second.  God gave me legs that can walk and whether I’m at the front of the pack or not, you can bet your bottom dollar I’m going to use them!!! 

Hump Day

Week Two is well under way.  I made it to hump day so that’s a plus.  It’s been a tough week.  I’ve been a bit on the emotional side and let’s be honest, my body is just tired.  Imagine doing bootcamp for 10 days straight…yeah, it’s like that.  Regardless, I get up every day and follow my schedule and do all my classes because I’m not going to waste a minute of the time I have here.  I’m just a little bit tired and could use a little pep in my step.  I’m hoping that I wake up with that tomorrow since it’s been missing this week.  I’ve been working to block out negativity as well and it’s been a struggle.  There are a couple new guests this week that are driving me crazy and unfortunately, they are my cabin neighbors as well so I’ve been lacking a little in the sleep department because they are super loud and inconsiderate.  Oh well.  They leave on Sunday and someone new will move in.  I took a stress & relaxation meditation class last night and have been trying to use those tips to my advantage.

Speaking of Sunday, last Sunday afternoon I had the amazing opportunity to have a private cooking lesson with Chef, here at the resort.  It was so wonderful!  I took pages of notes, some pics and a short video.  I need to get those all in order and then will have an entire blog entry about the cooking class up this weekend.  So many great tips to share!!!

It rained last night so the hike today reminded me of the mud run I did last year with Rob, Molly, Steph, Lydia, Melody and Sandy K.  Four pounds of mud patties caked on each foot as you struggle to climb up a mountain.  Makes  me very thankful for the thousands of squats Trainer Scott has made me do the last two years so that I can take the steep inclines.  Pool class was freezing but it’s supposed to warm up again this weekend so I’m looking forward to that.  I have a poncho in my camelbak incase it starts downpouring tomorrow while we’re on the hike.  Today was just a mist while we were out and about on our four miles.  Very pretty scenery though.  Yesterday we did the Reagan Ranch, as in President Ronnie.  It had some great steep hills once we got out of the coyote meadows and Jenn and I set a nice fast pace at the front.  We hiked down to Century Lake, where they filmed part of Planet of the Apes.  Pictures below.  Then down to the rock springs which were beautiful.  Four of us were pretty far ahead of the group on the  way back to the van so we ran the last section back with our guide.  Malibu-yah! Today we were at Malibu Creek and made our way to the rock springs from a different direction but the trail was impassable and flooded out from the rains.  Crazy!

If you’re doing the Losing it With Lyndee contest, how is it going?  Give me some updates! Let me know if you need anything.  Hope you are all kicking some serious butt along with me!

Some fun stats for you, since last Monday the 2^nd (through 6:30 tonight) I have burned 37,571 calories and taken 202,441 steps.  Which means by end of day tomorrow I will have easily taken over one quarter of a MILLION steps in 10 days.  That’s kind of every definition of awesome in my book.  Remember the original and way better, in my humble opinion, Biggest Loser song?  A chorus line says “what have you done today, to make you feel proud?”  Every day I not only survive, but thrive here, makes me proud.  So what will you do tomorrow or in the next 10 days to make yourself proud? 

Happy Easter, my peeps!

I really hope you got how funny my title was.  J  This post might be a little long but a lot has happened in the last few days.  Been a busy bear, which is why I haven’t been able to blog since Thursday.  First and foremost, I received a great question from Kary on one of the posts about my daily menus.  She asked if we were allowed snacks between meals to help us keep going.  Excellent question!  Thanks, Kary!  The answer is yes.  At breakfast we can request a hardboiled egg, 12 almonds, a sliced up apple, orange or banana to take with us on our hikes.  Most people eat this snack as soon as we get back in the van after the hikes.  Also, there is a salad bar and fruit station set up for our lunch and dinners that we can use to supplement some calories if needed.  I usually have almonds or an orange after my hike.  I occasionally have a small salad with dinner and then take a banana back to my room for a snack before bed.  Now, before you picture a Ryan’s buffet type of salad bar, this is very simple.  Lettuce, mixed greens, spinach, onions, beets, beans, sprouts, carrots, cucumbers, peppers, etc.  There are no croutons, bacon, cheese or even dressings on our salad bar.  You can request a homemade light or dark balsamic and you will receive 2 precise tablespoons of it.  The food here is fiber rich, nutrient dense and no preservatives so it keeps you very full.  I was amazed at how satisfied my stomach has been even though I’m  burning 4000 calories a day.  It just goes to show food is fuel and you’re going to run better on high octane gasoline than if you try to put liquid poo in your system.  Simple fact.  And, as I’ve stated in earlier posts, your tastebuds adapt VERY quickly when choices are limited and I am grateful for all the new flavors I have been able to explore. 

Friday was one of my favorite hikes yet.  I mean, nothing can beat being at the beach but this was pretty darn close!  My group went to Solstice Trail.  My pictures below do not do it justice but I will try to give you a little taste.  The first mile and a half are pretty much straight up hill.  After you slip, slide and claw your way to the top, you turn around to find the most beautiful view of the Pacific you can ever imagine, nestled between two giant foothills.  Absolutely breathtaking if I would’ve had any breath left in my scorched lungs at that point.  As we climb on we are overlooking one of the steepest canyons I’ve been in yet.  I wanted to take a picture but I got a little woozy and apparently my camera is scared of heights too because when I tried to take a picture, my phone shut itself off.  I can’t blame it.  I would’ve closed my eyes if I could have as well.  A mile or so down the path we start our descent into the canyon. and I turned around and took a picture of where I had been for you all to see.  Once we reach the bottom you find the ruins of what was once a beautiful house and grounds.  A waterfall, rock sculptures, chimneys, just stunning natural artwork everywhere.  Friday afternoon was circuit training, Disco Jam (think Zumba but more staying alive and Bee Gee’s) which totally rocked and then liquid moves in the pool which became a pool volleyball tournament.  Fun in the sun!       

Saturday morning was a hike around Charmlee with more views of Malibu, the ocean and Cindy Crawford’s house.  It definitely was not the most challenging hike of the week but it was more laid back and very fun.  Which was needed, for as soon as we returned, it was time for the last chance workout.  I have to admit, I was pretty nervous about it.  I’ve seen enough last chance workouts on the show to know that it was not going to be a leisurely hike or simple cardio class.  It totally kicked my butt…but it was so awesome! I loved every minute of it.  Well, ok, maybe didn’t “love” the suicides and burpies but it was a great feeling of accomplishment and burn.  I didn’t just survive the last chance workout, I destroyed it! And I earned my Biggest Loser Fitness Ridge last chance workout bandana to prove it.  It’s the little rewards like that which bring me so much joy and pride.  I was so pumped after getting my ass handed to me in the scorching sun that I was on a natural high through lunch.  Then came yoga.  Wow.  I am terrible at it.  Yoga is no joke and it totally dominated me.  BUT, I finished what I started, thank you Trainer Cameron for knocking that into my head all week long.  Finish what you start! It’s a simple idea that will lead to extraordinary results. 

Saturday night we had graduation which is so bitter sweet. It’s great to see the highlight video of the week and here what people have learned but so hard to know the awesome people you’ve met are preparing to leave the next morning.  It’s crazy how closely you bond with your fellow losers here and  how much strength they give you.  Rae, Megan and I decided to go to Target for some supplies after the dinner and then ended up taking Megan to Hollywood since she had never been.  It was completely surreal to be driving down such familiar streets that I used to call home.  Seriously, mind blowing and nostalgic.  But even more fun was watching Megan take in the wonder and weirdness that is Hollywood Boulevard on a Saturday night.  We had so much fun walking around.  And more importantly, we resisted all temptations.  We didn’t buy any food or drink while we were out and about.  We just played tourist and laughed our butts off.  It was a great feeling to know that we passed our first test outside the bubble that we had lived in all week at the resort.  Sunday morning rolls around and it’s very hard to say goodbye to such amazing people.  As sad as I was that my friends were leaving, I was also very excited by my first week results.  I lost 9 pounds, 8.75 inches and 1.3% body fat.  Not too shabby for 6 days of non-stop sweat.  It’s been a long time since I have been so proud of something I did but I felt that today, beaming through my body.  What amazes me about Biggest Loser resort is how you can feel so exhausted and so alive at the same time. 

TGI...oh wait

Tomorrow is Friday, which would be awesome if I were at work or in any sort of reality.  Here at BL Resort, it doesn’t have the same kind of reward.  Yes, I get to do disco jam (think Zumba to Disco) and finish my day of classes in the pool, so that’s excellent.  But I don’t get two days off after that like a normal person would.  Saturday morning bright and early I can opt for a 2 hour cardio attack or a 2 hour hike, both of which will be followed by a two hour Last Chance Workout.  Not much like my lazy Saturdays of old.  Sunday though will be a rest day.  I shall do laundry, blog, skype with family, make phone calls, go for a swim…ok, maybe I won’t rest until May? 

Today was a tough day as well.  Yes, I realize this is becoming a pattern.  Ha! Who knew something called Ball Works could totally kick your butt?  Not I, but I do now! Think BodyPump on crack, while sitting on a stability ball.  Yeah, it’s that much fun.  Followed by Treading which was a cardio class where you push your max for 5 minutes, recover for 4, push max for 4, recover, 3, recover, 2, recover, 1, recover and then 1 at a level that you don’t think you will survive but somehow you do.  I did Jacob’s ladder for the three minute interval.  If you’ve never seen this machine, think mid-evil torture device.  Climbing a ladder you will never reach the top of.  It is hard as hell but I did it.  And as I came off of there, gasping for air, I was so proud of myself for being brave enough to step out of my comfort zone treadmill and try, and then to be able to actually do it! Then, when the class ended the guy next to me, that I like to call Wild Billie gave me a great compliment.  Everyone here is defined by their week.  I’m a first week-er.  He’s in his fourth.  Anyway, Wild Billie looks at me and says he can’t believe I’m a first weeker.  He says I’m really strong and pushing really hard for being four days in.  He says he can’t even  imagine what I will be doing when I hit week four.  And I have to smile and agree with him.  The possibilities are endless. He jokes that the trainer will yell stop but I’ll be going so fast and focused I’ll just run through the glass and keep on going.  I say I might run all the way back to Iowa.  Then I visualize Forrest Gump running across the country and slap myself back to reality because I can’t even commit to running a half marathon and I really much prefer planes.  Point being though, it was really nice to receive a compliment like that, especially from a fourth weeker.  It was also the second day in a row that a trail guide has told me I should definitely be in a higher van for the hikes.  I’m totally cool with where I am right now because my ankle is still adjusting to the hikes and I love the group in my van.  They are great ladies that help me push myself further each day.  Next week, I will request to be moved up.  Also, as we were leaving Chesebro Park today in our Biggest Loser Resort van, after our hike, there was a group of cyclists that were taking pictures of the van, apparently thinking we were on the show.  Hilarious. 

It’s hard to believe I’ve only been here for four days.  It feels like it’s been much longer than that.  Every day I reaffirm that this is the gift of a lifetime and that the Lyndee 2.0 that returns from Malibu is going to blow surprise everyone, especially the original Lyndee 1.0. 

Happy hump day morning

Wednesday looks to be the most challenging day yet.  See schedule and menu below.  I am so excited though.  Why? Because my hike this morning was at Zuma Beach.  I LOVE the ocean.  I'm a water sign and it brings me peace. It was so great to once again hear the sounds of crashing waves, seagull chatter and feel the salty breeze on my face.  So, I am posting a bunch of pictures I took because I believe it's the most beautiful place in the world!!! The first picture is Point Dume which is way more ginormous than it looks.  Especially when you go up one side, down the other, back up and back down.